Could someone help me find the poem or essay telling about how it feels to have AD? It says that it's like being dropped in a foreign land and not being able to speak or understand the language. It touched me deeply when I read it. Now, as my DH has declined into early stage 6, I'd like to give copies to our family and friends to help them understand how he feels.
I am not sure but I wonder if you are talking about the poem written by Cheryl King?
She asks that one doesn't copy it without asking her first, but here is a link to the poem.... http://www.zarcrom.com/users/alzheimers/poetry/adp/adp-14.html
Oh my goodness, Nikki, that was so beautiful. I had a good cry. It did have the words "being in a foreign land" but that's not the one I'm thinking about.
Pray for me I was once like you. Be kind and loving to me that's how I would have treated you. Remember I was once someone's parent or spouse I had a life and a dream for the future. Speak to me, I can hear you even if I don't understand what you are saying. Speak to me of things in my past of which I can still relate. Be considerate of me, my days are such a struggle. Think of my feelings because I still have them and can feel pain. Treat me with respect because I would have treated you that way. Think of how I was before I got Alzheimer's; I was full of life, I had a life, laughed and loved you. Think of how I am now, My disease distorts my thinking, my feelings, and my ability to respond, but I still love you even if I can't tell you. Think about my future because I used too. Remember I was full of hope for the future just like you are now. Think how it would be to have things locked in your mind and can't let them out. I need you to understand and not blame me, but Alzheimer's. I still need the compassion and the touching and most of all I still need you to love me. Keep me in your prayers because I am between life and death. The love you give will be a blessing from God and both of us will live forever. How you live and what you do today will always be remembered in the heart of the Alzheimer's Patient.